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Microbiology Research Activities

U.S. Geological Survey microbiology efforts span the disciplines and cover many broad research areas, including fish and wildlife health and disease, climate change, microbial ecology, public health and water quality, geomicrobiology, and ecosystem function. More about USGS Microbiology

Microbiology

Research Activities for Resource Management

Microbiology research is supported across USGS Science Disciplines Biology, Geography, Geology, and Water.*

Fish and Wildlife DiseaseMontastraea cavernosa with yellow blotch/band disease. Photo credit: USGS
Researchers bring understanding to how diseases interact with their fish and wildlife hosts.
BioremediationWBC-2 microbial consortium. Photo credit: Geosyntec Consultants
Scientists discover how microbes can clean up contamination in the environment.
Climate ChangeEarth. Photo credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Microbes and their impact on the Earth's climate are studied to discover the role microbes play in climate change.
EnergyCoal boring rig at dusk in Texas. Photo credit: USGS
From supplying energy to impacting human health, scientists study the microbes that play a role in the Nation's energy resources.
Ecosystem FunctionPacific Northwestern forest. Photo credit: USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
The latest tools and techniques are used to understand the role of microbes in shaping the environment.
 Geographic Patterns
Phospholipid fatty acids and soil health map. Image credit: J. Holloway, USGSScientists provide insight on the distribution of microbes that impact public health and ecosystem function.
GeomicrobiologyOpen water in post-Katrina marsh, Louisiana. Photo credit: J. Holloway, USGS
Researchers investigate how microbes interact with the nonliving parts of Earth such as soils, sediment, and atmosphere.
Human Health
Human liver tissue. Photo credit: USGS Using microbes, scientists study environmental agents that can impact human health.
Microbial EcologyThe colorful landscape and incredible diversity of a deep-sea reef in the Aleutian Islands. Photo credit: Alberto Lindner, NOAA Fisheries
Scientists use the latest techniques to understand the living community of microbes in the environment.
Water QualityAnabaena planktonica. Arrow points to the heterocyst, the site of atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Photo credit: Barry H. Rosen, USGS
Chemicals, algal blooms, and pathogens are measured and monitored to assist beach health and other water quality programs.
Nanotechnology
Selenium nanospheres formed by Bacillus selenitireducensScientists reveal the impact of nanoparticles on ecosystems and organisms, as well as new uses for energy production, industry, and science.
  

*Research summaries are contributed by USGS scientists and information specialists from across USGS disciplines. For the goals of this Web site, see "Feedback about the Web site" under Contact Us.

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